Turkish restaurant opens in Saratoga

A Turkish restaurant called Istanblue Mediterranean Cuisine opened Friday (7/12) at 30 Congress St. in Saratoga Springs, a former Friendly’s location in Congress Plaza, according to the Fun in Saratoga blog. The blog reports that there’s no online presence yet for the restaurant, and the telephone number listed with directory assistance, 581-1923, has been unanswered this afternoon. The Saratoga Wire blog has a little info on the owner.

It is a very clean restaurant. It is a long overdue addition to the food scene in Saratoga springs. I ate doner kebab last week. It is gyro (sliced lamb)on fries topped with tomato sauce and yogurt. It was really very good. Thin slices of lamb with a tasty tomato sauce. The portion is very generous. Their eggplant salad, babaganush, fried zucchini patties are all very good. The service is professional. Right now it is byob (I think $7 cork fee). Lunch special is $8.99.

I ate here last night before going to the ballet. I had a bowl of lentil soup ($4) and the appetizer platter for 2 which was $16 and consisted of 4 stuffed grape leaves, smoked eggplant, hummus, somewhat spicy tomato spread, and something else. Bread and black olives are brought to the table once you sit down. The service was attentive and the place was pretty busy. Thank goodness there are a lot of signs directing people to the restaurant. The food was good and pretty authentic. The prices are in line with the rest of Saratoga restaurants and the portions are good sized.

Having tried most Turkish places in NYC for doener,iskandar and other dishes I must say I was impressed with Istanblue.It was on par with emparting authentic med foods and a welcome freshness from the ordinary bland Greek-ish offering mostly found in our area.Lamb/Beef gyro spit is real and not mystery minced formed cones of flesh palp.Veggies were fresh and presented al dente and not overcooked.The breads are fresh,reminds me of Ali Babas but better tasting.Hot butter sauce and lamb is never a bad combo for the tastebuds.I hope this place does well and sticks around for some time to come.

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